By Temidayo Igwebuike
The National Ginger Association of Nigeria (NGAN) has commended the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) on the Bill to mandate at least 30% value addition to Nigeria’s raw materials before they are exported. The National President of the Association, Squadron Leader Nuhu Daodu (Rtd.) gave the commendation when he led members of the Association on a courtesy visit to the Director General of RMRDC, Prof Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Abuja.
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Sqd Leader Daodu stated that the Bill when passed by National Assembly and assented to by Mr President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu will contribute immensely to turning around the fortunes of ginger production in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria used to be among the world’s best ginger producers but sadly, ginger is currently being imported to Nigeria. He attributed this worrisome scenario to the blight in ginger production which hampered value addition to the crop. He expressed optimism that with the coming of a legislation to mandate value addition to raw materials before export, ginger production will soon receive a boost that will reposition the crop as a major income earner for Nigeria.
While welcoming the delegation, the RMRDC helmsman, Prof Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso reiterated that his vision was to see that raw materials are no longer exported in their raw forms again. He emphasized that this will increase the country’s foreign exchange, provide job opportunities, increase industrial growth as well as reduce Nigeria’s dependence on exporting unprocessed raw materials.
Speaking earlier, the RMRDC Director of Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department, Mr Lawal Suraj stated that the Council through its Technology Development Department (TDD) was working on developing a drying machine that will help ginger farmers curb excessive waste occasioned by lack of good storage facilities for the crop.
Prof Ike-Muonso informed the Association that the Council will consider viable areas of collaboration with the Association to further boost the production of ginger in Nigeria.
